PagineThinking of the Frontier
by Li Po (Li Bai)
Translated by Florence Ayscough & Amy Lowell (1921) · From Fir-Flower Tablets
At what season last year did my Lord leave his Unworthy One?
In the Southern garden, the butterflies were fluttering in the young green grass.
Now, this year, at what season does the Unworthy One cherish thoughts of her Lord?
There is white snow on the Western hills and the clouds of Ch'in are dark.
It is three thousand li from here to the Jade Barrier.
I desire to send the "harmonious writings," but how can they reach you?
This poem and this translation are in the public domain. Source text: Project Gutenberg.